In his first personal communication with them since before a July 2014 fall in which he suffered a traumatic brain injury, state Sen. Andrew Maynard, D-18th District, has thanked his constituents for their “prayers and well wishes” in a flier that many of them received on Monday.

“In July of 2014, I took a serious fall at my home and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Less than six months later, when some may have wanted to write me off, I walked proudly into the Senate chamber,” he wrote.

Later he added, “I may have been down at first, but certainly not out. While I am still working on my speech, my heart, will and drive have allowed me to accomplish great things this last year, and I eagerly look forward to fighting for the 18th Senatorial District again and again. I want to thank all of you for your prayers and wishes; I am grateful to live in such as beautiful and supportive community.”

The Stonington Democrat had sent a flier to constituents after the end of the last legislative session but that reported on the overall accomplishments of the session.

Through spokesmen, he has declined interview requests from The Day since the fall of 2014. He was easily re-elected to a fifth term in November 2014 despite being at a rehabilitation hospital and unable to campaign or debate.

At a event to honor area veterans in Pawcatuck last month, his legislative aide said Maynard would not be answering any questions as he was still working to improve his speech. At the event, Maynard spoke a few words, thanking veterans for their service.

In his flier, Maynard said that during the last session, he worked with both Democrats and Republicans on a variety of issues such as job creation, capping property taxes and making college more affordable. He said he met with constituents, toured small businesses and met with major employers in the region along with hosting a fair that provided information and services of interest to seniors.

The flier shows photos of Maynard meeting with people to discuss a variety of issues and pointed out that during the recently concluded special session of the General Assembly, Democrats cut $350 million from the budget while restoring hospital funding and protecting municipal aid. The cuts were needed because of a budget deficit.

When Mayard was asked for comment last spring on why he supported the proposed budget, which was approved in the Senate by a 19-17 vote, a spokesman referred The Day to a statement on the budget issued by Senate President Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk.

During the spring session, Maynard missed most of his legislative committee meetings, including those of the Transportation Committee which he chairs and co-sponsored just one bill. But his spokesman said Maynard had been “a consistent presence in Hartford,” missing just two days, participating in numerous votes, attending committee meetings and Senate caucuses, working on constituent issues and participating in meetings with advocates for public safety, education and culture-related matters. The new session of the legislature begins Feb. 3. He has also attended parades, receptions and other community events.   

j.wojtas@theday.com

@joewojtas